The following scholarships are based on merit and do not require a student to demonstrate financial eligibility. They may be awarded as part of a need-based financial aid package.
Students may receive only one academic scholarship plus any other supplemental merit-based scholarships.
Note that if a scholarship requires a separate application before consideration, you can download and print a .pdf version to mail in by clicking "Application." By applying for admission, students are automatically considered for all other scholarships and awarded if they qualify.
Academic scholarships
- President's Scholarship [Application]
Awards ranging from $10,000-$13,000 annually ($40,000 to $52,000 over four years) represent the College’s financial commitment to academic excellence, one of our five core values. Through an application and interview process, potential recipients will be reviewed for their previous accomplishments and potential for future success. Past recipients of these highly selective awards ranked near the top of their graduating class and enrolled in the most academically challenging courses offered. Submission of standardized test scores and a separate application is required by January 4, 2008, and finalists will be invited to participate in a scholarship competition on February 23 or March 1. Awards are renewable with a 3.25 cumulative grade point average.
- Dean's Scholarship
Based on information provided in the Application for Admission, awards ranging from $1,000-$9,000 annually ($4,000 to $36,000 over four years) recognize students who show academic achievement, service, or leadership in their high schools, churches, and communities.
Supplemental scholarships
- National Merit College-Sponsored Scholarship
Winners in the National Merit Scholarship competition who designate Gustavus as their first-choice college will receive a renewable scholarship of $7,500. Additionally, finalists can receive a President's or Dean's Scholarship for a maximum potential merit-based award of $20,500 (or $82,000 over four years). Any other Gustavus scholarships earned will be honorary (award in name but not financially). Students may also receive need-based aid if eligible.
- Diversity Scholarship
The Paul L. Rucker Scholarship awards up to $5,000 annually ($20,000 over four years) to students who bring diversity to campus. Ethnicity is one of several factors considered but is not an exclusive condition of eligibility.
- Gustavus Legacy Award
Awards of $2,500 annually ($10,000 over four years) are given to students whose siblings are current Gustavus students or graduates or whose parents or grandparents are Gustavus alumni. Scholarship recipients must have a grade point average of at least 3.5, an ACT of 26, or an 1170 (Critical Reading + Math) on the SAT.
- Music Scholarship [Application] [Additional recommendation form, if desired]
Jussi Bjorling Scholarships, ranging from $1,000-$4,000 annually ($4,000 to $16,000 over four years), support students continuing their studies and participation in music at Gustavus. Although scholarships are available to students of any major, all winners are required to participate in a performing ensemble. A separate application is required by January 4, 2008, and finalists will be invited to participate in a scholarship competition on February 23 or March 1. Awards are renewable through departmental review. The Music department has more detailed information about music scholarships.
- Theatre and Dance Scholarship [Application]
Evelyn Anderson Theatre and Dance Scholarships, ranging from $500 to $2,000 annually ($2,000 to $8,000 over four years), are awarded to candidates who have demonstrated talent and commitment to pursuing theatre and/or dance regardless of their intended major. A separate application is required by January 4, 2008, and finalists will be invited to participate in a scholarship competition on February 23.
- Art Scholarship [Application]
These scholarships, ranging from $500-$2,000 annually ($2,000 to $8,000 over four years), recognize students who have demonstrated talent and commitment to the field of visual art regardless of their intended major. A separate application is required by January 4, 2008, and finalists will be invited to participate in a scholarship competition on February 23 or March 1.
- Forensics Scholarship [Application]
Gustavus' $2,000 ($8,000 over four years) National Forensics League Scholarship is awarded annually to candidates who demonstrate talent and commitment in individual forensics events competition. The award will be based on a candidate's potential as a collegiate competitor, high school academic record, previously demonstrated leadership, and potential for contributions to the Gustavus community. A separate application is required by January 4, 2008, and finalists will be invited to participate in a scholarship competition on February 23 or March 1.
- Congregational Matching Scholarship [Application]
Established scholarship funds awarded by a student's home congregation -- regardless of a church's denomination -- will be matched by Gustavus up to $1,000 annually ($4,000 over four years). Written notification from the congregation indicating the dollar amount must be received by May 1, 2007.
- Lutheran Leadership Award [Application]
Awards of $250-$2,000 annually ($1,000 to $8,000 over four years) are given to Lutheran students whose home congregations are members of the Gustavus Adolphus College Association of Congregations and are nominated by their pastors or Association delegates. Applications and nominations must be received by March 1, 2008.
- Army ROTC Scholarships are available for students wishing to become an officer in the U.S. Army: active duty, National Guard or Army Reserves. These scholarships pay tuition up to $20,000 a year, $450 a semester for books and supplies, and a monthly stipend ranging from $250 for a first-year student to $400 for a senior. These scholarships are good for 2, 3, or 4 years and are available for incoming students as well as students already on campus. For general information, go to http://www.goarmy.com/rotc.
Additionally, ROTC students may receive a scholarship to pay room and board at Gustavus each year (equaling $6,775 for the 2007-2008 academic year). Gustavus is a partnership school of the Army ROTC program at Minnesota State University, Mankato. For specific information on their program go to http://ed.mnsu.edu/armyrotc.
- Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship [Application]
Members of Phi Theta Kappa enrolling from a community college may be considered for scholarships of $2,500. A minimum of 42 quarter credits or 28 semester hours and an earned college grade point average of 3.5 are required. This award is renewable with a 3.25 Gustavus cumulative grade point average.
* Please note: The information in this site is for incoming (new) and prospective Gustavus students. If you are a returning student, please refer to the Financial Assistance website for more information.